Santa Claus Is Coming To Lake Forest, Lake Bluff: Where To See Him

LAKE FOREST, IL — Visits and pictures with Santa Claus are treasured traditions for many Chicagoland families. In Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, kids have several chances to see jolly old St. Nick in person.

Here are the details:

Cocoa With the Claus's
When: Dec. 17, 4:30 p.m.
Where: Dickenson Hall 100 E old Mill Rd., Lake Forest

Spend the evening with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, sharing cookies and cocoa. Gather for story time with
Mrs. Claus, make a stuffed toy to cuddle, and have one-on-one time with Santa Claus.

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Santa is Coming to Madame ZuZu’s
When: Dec. 13–14, 12 p.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Madame ZuZu’s, 1876 1st St., Highland Park

Snap holiday Polaroids with Santa while enjoying hot cocoa, festive activities, and shopping. Polaroids must be purchased for photo opportunities.
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Santa at Chalet Wilmette
When: Dec. 6, 7, 13 & 14
Where: Chalet Nursery, 3132 Lake Ave., Wilmette

Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus to share your wish list and snap a festive photo. Appointments are already all booked up, but walk-ins are still welcome.
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Cookie & Cocoa Crawl
When: Dec. 6, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: Jens Jensen Park, 540 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park

Kick off the holiday season by visiting Ravinia District businesses to collect festive cookies, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy holiday tunes. Start at Jens Jensen Park to pick up a cookie bag and redemption
tickets.
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Santa Storytime at Giggles
When: Dec. 13
Where: Giggles Play, 328 Green Bay Road, Highwood

Enjoy storytime with Santa, a Santa hat, a hot cocoa and cookie bar, and a storybook exchange. Infants under 12 months and adults are free with a paid ticket. Space is limited.
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Winter Wanderland 2024
When: Dec. 6, 9 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Where: Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka

Take a festive stroll through holiday-themed scenes, meet Santa, and enjoy cookies, hot cocoa, and a goodie bag. Tickets are $11.49 in advance or $15 on the day of the event.
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Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast with Santa
When: Dec. 6, 7 a.m.–12 p.m.
Where: Grace United Methodist Church, Lake Bluff

Pancakes, sausage, and Santa! This family-friendly breakfast is a beloved Lake Bluff tradition. Advance tickets are $10 per person; children under 3 are free.
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Dickens of a Holiday in Libertyville
When: Dec. 13, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Downtown Libertyville

Santa will be in Cook Park spreading cheer, with photos available from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1 p.m.–3 p.m. Kids can shop for gifts at the Children’s Holiday Shoppe, while families enjoy Victorian Tea and other festive activities.
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Annual Santa Parade
When: Dec. 6 starting at 2 p.m.
Where: Throughout Libertyville

Grab a spot on the Santa tracker map to watch the parade. Santa’s sleigh will make its way through residential streets and parks, spreading holiday cheer.
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The Grove Christmas Candlelight Tours
When: Dec. 12
Where: The Grove National Historic Landmark, 1421 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview

Take a guided candlelight tour of the 1856 Kennicott House, hear stories of 19th-century holiday traditions, and end with a visit and gift from Santa.
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Christmas Town at Summerfield Farm and Zoo
When: Nov. 15–Dec. 21, Weekends
Where: 3088 Flora Rd., Belvidere

Meet Santa, visit the reindeer barn, and enjoy holiday activities, including crafts and "Reindeer Flight School." Tickets are $18 per person; kids under 1 are free.
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Santa is also holding court at several shopping malls in the north suburbs, including:

Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
When: Through Dec. 24
Where: Gurnee Mills, Gurnee

Enjoy free photos with Santa, crafts, and festive activities for the whole family.
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Photos with Santa at Hawthorn Mall
When: Through Dec. 24
Where: 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills

Santa is available for photos daily, with special pet and sensory-friendly sessions on select dates.
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Westfield Old Orchard Santa Photos in the Candy cane Station
When: Nov. 28–Dec. 24 (Hours vary by date)
Where: Trolley Park, Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie

Take photos with Santa at Candy Cane Station while enjoying festive treats. Special events include Santa Cares (sensory-friendly visits) on Dec. 7 and Santa Paws on Dec. 8 and 15 for pet photos with Santa. Reservations are recommended for photos.
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Fashion Outlets of Chicago Santa’s Winter Wonderland
When: Nov. 14–Dec. 24 (Hours vary by date)
Where: Center Court near the Food Court, Fashion Outlets of Chicago, Rosemont

Families can visit Santa for free, with photo packages available and special sensory-friendly sessions on Dec. 7. Reservations are recommended to minimize wait times.
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